Mar 3 2010
Genetic Immunity, a US/Hungarian biopharmaceutical company developing
nanomedicine vaccines, will present data at this week’s DNA Vaccines
2010 in New Orleans, LA concerning the formulation and topical
administration of the DermaVir therapeutic vaccine for HIV/AIDS. DNA
Vaccine 2010 invites leading scientists to report on the latest research
in the progressive field of DNA or Genetic Vaccines.
“Biological activity of DNA vaccines depends upon expression of
plasmid-DNA-encoded antigens. Our novel nanomedicine vaccine, DermaVir,
is a single plasmid-DNA that expresses most HIV antigens and forms
virus-like particles”
“Biological activity of DNA vaccines depends upon expression of
plasmid-DNA-encoded antigens. Our novel nanomedicine vaccine, DermaVir,
is a single plasmid-DNA that expresses most HIV antigens and forms
virus-like particles,” commented Julianna Lisziewicz, PhD and CEO of
Genetic Immunity. “We will be reporting how our team successfully
overcame significant hurdles over the past ten years in the formulation
and transdermal delivery of DermaVir. Building upon our research into
the relationship between the structure of DNA nanomedicines and
biological activity, Genetic Immunity has now moved DermaVir into Phase
II clinical trials for the treatment of HIV.”
On Thursday, March 4 (2:00—2:15PM), Dr. Lisziewicz will report Genetic
Immunity’s successful creation of plasmid-DNA-containing nanoparticles
in the 80 to 400nm size range, mimicking viruses naturally evolved to
deliver DNA/RNA into cells. Surrounded by a polyethylenimine-mannose
shell, DermaVir’s pDNA enters through the skin and is protected
from endosomal degradation prior to release into the nucleoli of antigen
presenting cells. After establishing the preferred chemical environment
for the pDNA, optimal particle size and “compactness,” and most
favorable cationic degree for the PEIm, DermaVir was developed as a
liquid DNA vaccine formulation maintaining physical stability and
biological activity for several months at 4ºC.
“Sufficient antigen must reach the lymphoid organs to maximize
vaccination efficiency. DermaVir’s novel mechanism of action is based on
natural migration of Langerhans cells from the skin to the lymph nodes,”
explained Franco Lori, MD. “For targeting antigens from the skin
directly into the lymph nodes a new medical device, DermaPrep, has been
developed that combines a special skin preparation procedure with a
patch for needle-free, topical vaccine administration.” DermaPrep
reproducibly delivered over 50% of the absorbed pDNA vaccine to the
lymph nodes. Clinical studies have demonstrated an excellent safety and
tolerability profile. DermaPrep, which recently obtained CE Mark
approval in Europe, offers a novel topical administration method for
liquid vaccines.
Source Genetic Immunity
Breakthrough research reveals how to target malignant DNA in aggressive cancers